Animal Behind-the-Scenes Encounters

Participate in interactive sessions alongside Aquarium interpreters, biologists and trainers. You’ll be able to get a behind-the-scenes look at the habitats of some of the animals at the Aquarium where you’ll help our trainers in a feeding or training session. You’ll also learn how our conservation and research programs help us better understand these animals and the threats they face in the wild.

Members receive a 20 percent discount on all animal encounters

Looking to give a gift of an Animal Behind-the-Scenes Encounter? Purchase an e-gift card online and give the gift of aquatic wonder while helping to support the Aquarium’s conservation, research and education initiatives.

In our Sea Otter Encounter, you can go behind the scenes with an Aquarium interpreter to learn more about these playful animals and get a hands-on training session with our marine mammal training team.

Accompany an Aquarium interpreter to learn more about an endangered species: the African penguin. Then, go behind-the-scenes to see the fishy side of taking care of penguins. Finally, prepare yourself to take a close look at the animals as you participate in an enrichment training session.

Join us for a program that takes you to meet the Vancouver Aquarium’s resident sea turtle, Schoona. Guided by an Aquarium interpreter, you will start in the Animal Encounter room to hear amazing stories of this sea turtle’s rescue before heading to the Aquarists’ kitchen to make up a healthy meal. Then get ready to visit the shark penthouse to participate in Schoona’s daily feeding session.

Guided by an Aquarium interpreter, you will learn how what it is like to work as a biologist in several Behind-the Scenes locations. Get up close with some of your favourite animals and see them in different life stages, all while helping the biologists care for them.

Registration is open for programs scheduled until September 3, 2018. Sea Turtle Encounters are offered on a WALK-UP basis only so please check at the Guest Services Desk upon your arrival for the most up to date information.

PROGRAMS ARE LIMITED AND FILL WELL AHEAD! Contact us early to check availability.

Full credit card payment is required upon booking. To contact us by phone please call 604-659-3552 or 1-800-931-1186, or email programs@ocean.org Please note that program availability is extremely limited and subject to change. Not all encounters are offered on an on-going basis and can go offline at any time due to animal care.

Share Your Thoughts

How was your visit? Fill in our comment card and let us know.Find it here